Sonos soundbar showdown: beam vs. arc – discover the perfect audio companion for your tv
What To Know
- The Beam offers excellent sound quality and smart features for its price, making it a great value for those looking for a compact soundbar.
- If you’re looking for a compact soundbar with great sound quality and smart features at a reasonable price, the Sonos Beam is an excellent choice.
- The Beam is a great value for those looking for a compact and affordable soundbar, while the Arc delivers a premium sound experience with Dolby Atmos support.
Sonos is renowned for its premium audio products, and its soundbars are no exception. The Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc are two of the most popular soundbars in the market, offering immersive sound experiences for home entertainment. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which soundbar is the perfect fit for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar measuring 25.6 inches wide, 3.9 inches high, and 4.0 inches deep. Its sleek design features a perforated metal grille with rounded corners, available in black or white. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is larger, measuring 45 inches wide, 3.4 inches high, and 4.5 inches deep. Its curved design and fabric grille give it a more modern and premium look. Both soundbars are well-built and feature high-quality materials.
Sound Performance
The Sonos Beam delivers an impressive sound experience for its size. It features five Class-D amplifiers that power five full-range woofers and one tweeter. The result is a clear and balanced sound with good bass response. The Sonos Arc, however, offers a more immersive and cinematic experience. With its eleven Class-D amplifiers, eight woofers, and three tweeters, the Arc produces a wider soundstage with deeper bass and crystal-clear highs.
Dolby Atmos Support
The Sonos Arc is the only Sonos soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos, a surround sound technology that delivers a multi-dimensional audio experience. With Dolby Atmos, the Arc can simulate overhead speakers, creating a more immersive and engaging soundscape. The Sonos Beam does not support Dolby Atmos, but it still offers a great sound experience for movies and TV shows.
Smart Features
Both the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc feature a range of smart features. They can be controlled via the Sonos app, which allows you to adjust settings, stream music, and access various music services. Both soundbars also support Apple AirPlay 2 and Amazon Alexa voice control. However, the Sonos Arc has a built-in voice assistant, so you can control it directly without the need for an external device.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc offer a variety of connectivity options. They both feature HDMI eARC, optical audio, and Ethernet ports. The Beam also has an HDMI ARC port, while the Arc has an additional HDMI input. Both soundbars are compatible with all Sonos speakers and components, allowing you to create a multi-room audio system.
Price and Value
The Sonos Beam is priced at $449, while the Sonos Arc is priced at $899. The Beam offers excellent sound quality and smart features for its price, making it a great value for those looking for a compact soundbar. The Arc, on the other hand, delivers a superior sound experience with Dolby Atmos support and a built-in voice assistant. It is a more expensive option but offers a more immersive and premium audio experience.
Which Sonos Soundbar is Right for You?
The choice between the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a compact soundbar with great sound quality and smart features at a reasonable price, the Sonos Beam is an excellent choice. If you’re willing to invest in a more immersive and cinematic experience, the Sonos Arc is the better option. Its Dolby Atmos support and built-in voice assistant make it the ultimate soundbar for home entertainment.
Recommendations: The Perfect Match for Your Audio Needs
Whether you choose the Sonos Beam or Sonos Arc, you’re guaranteed an exceptional audio experience. The Beam is a great value for those looking for a compact and affordable soundbar, while the Arc delivers a premium sound experience with Dolby Atmos support. Consider your needs and budget to determine which Sonos soundbar is the perfect match for your home entertainment system.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which soundbar has a wider soundstage?
A: The Sonos Arc has a wider soundstage than the Sonos Beam due to its larger size and additional speakers.
Q: Does the Sonos Beam support Dolby Atmos?
A: No, the Sonos Beam does not support Dolby Atmos.
Q: Which soundbar has a built-in voice assistant?
A: Only the Sonos Arc has a built-in voice assistant.
Q: Can I create a multi-room audio system with both the Beam and Arc?
A: Yes, both the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc are compatible with all Sonos speakers and components, allowing you to create a multi-room audio system.
Q: Which soundbar is better for small rooms?
A: The Sonos Beam is a better choice for small rooms due to its compact size and balanced sound.